Maharashtra Declares Leprosy a Notifiable Disease Key Points for Exams

• Maharashtra has officially declared leprosy (Hansen’s disease) a notifiable disease , making it mandatory for all healthcare providers—government, private, NGO, and corporate—to report every confirmed case to health authorities. The notification took effect on 30 October 2025 and aims to strengthen disease surveillance, ensure early treatment, and prevent disabilities.

Legal Basis and Implementation

• The decision falls under the state’s public health and epidemic control provisions . All diagnosed cases must be reported within 14 days to the District Health Officer, Assistant Director (Leprosy) , and the local municipal body . This uniform reporting mechanism is meant to streamline registration, follow-up, and delivery of Multidrug Therapy (MDT) , which is provided free of cost at public facilities.

Disease Burden and Government Goals

As of September 2025 , Maharashtra reported 7,863 new cases and 13,010 patients under treatment , among the highest in India. The state has set a target of achieving a “Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027” , with three main objectives:

• Interrupt disease transmission

• Eliminate visible deformities, especially in children

• Reduce stigma through community awareness and active case detection

Public Health Strategy and Contact Prophylaxis

• Health workers will now trace and screen close contacts of confirmed patients and offer single-dose rifampicin post-exposure prophylaxis (SDR-PEP) , as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) . This preventive step helps lower infection risk among household and social contacts.

Exam-Oriented Quick Facts

• Disease Name: Leprosy (Hansen’s disease)

• Causative Agent: Mycobacterium leprae

• Treatment: Multidrug Therapy (MDT) – free in government facilities

• Notification Rule: Mandatory within 14 days of diagnosis

• State Target: Leprosy-Free Maharashtra by 2027

• Preventive Measure: SDR-PEP for close contacts

• Aim of Notification: Early detection, prevention of disability, and interruption of transmission

Public Advisory

Health officials have urged citizens not to panic . They advised seeking medical evaluation for symptoms like numb skin patches, loss of sensation, or weakness in limbs . Early treatment with MDT completely cures the disease and prevents permanent disability.